Zurich names global corporate CEO as Vitale leaves for Aspen

ZURICH—Zurich Financial Services Group has appointed Thomas Huerlimann as CEO of its global corporate operations.

Mr. Huerlimann replaces Mario Vitale, who has been named president of the U.S. insurance operations of Hamilton, Bermuda-based Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd.

Mr. Huerlimann, whose appointment is effective immediately, previously was CEO of global corporate business in Europe for the insurer. He will be located in Zurich and is charged with developing Zurich's global corporate business, which serves large and multinational customers, the company said Monday.

Mr. Vitale will take up his post at Aspen on March 21 and will be based in New York, Aspen said Monday. He will report to John Cavoores, co-CEO of Aspen's insurance operations.

Mr. Vitale joined Zurich in 2006, serving as CEO of the global corporate North America division, and was named CEO of global corporate in 2008.

Before joining Zurich, he served as CEO of Willis North America.